Electrolytic Capacitor

ABSTRACT

An apparatus is disclosed which includes an electrolytic capacitive element with multiple capacitor sections.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation application and claims priority under35 USC § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/965,591, filed onAug. 13, 2013, which is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/116,461, filed on May 26, 2011, now U.S.Pat. No. 8,537,522, issued on Sep. 17, 2013, which is a continuation ofand claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/966,358,filed on Dec. 28, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,952,854, issued on May 31,2011, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.No. 60/882,813, filed on Dec. 29, 2006, the entire contents of each ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates to a capacitor. More specifically it relates toa capacitor with multiple capacitor sections selectively connectable tomatch the capacitance or capacitances of one or more capacitors beingreplaced.

One common use for capacitors is in connection with the motors ofair-conditioning systems. The systems often employ two capacitors, oneused in association with a compressor motor and another smaller valuecapacitor for use in association with a fan motor. Air-conditioningsystems of different BTU capacity, made by different manufacturers orbeing a different model may use capacitors having different values.These capacitors have a finite life and may fail, causing the system tobecome inoperative.

A serviceman making a service call usually does not know in advancewhether a replacement capacitor is necessary to repair anair-conditioning system, or what value capacitor or capacitors might beneeded for the repair. Often, the serviceman carries a large number ofcapacitors of different values in the service truck, but it is difficultand expensive to maintain such an inventory, especially because therecan be a random need for several capacitors of the same value on thesame day. Sometimes, the serviceman returns to the shop or visit asupplier to pick up a replacement capacitor of the required value. Thisis inefficient as the travel time to pick up parts greatly extends theoverall time necessary to complete a repair, and detrimental if there isa backlog of inoperative air-conditioning systems on a hot day. Asimilar situation may occur is other applications such as refrigerationand heating systems, pumps, and manufacturing systems that utilizecompressors.

SUMMARY

By providing a single capacitor adapted to replace any one of a largenumber of capacitors, a serviceman may carry the capacitor on a servicecall and, upon encountering one or more failed capacitors, theserviceman can utilize the capacitor to replace the failed capacitor orcapacitors.

In general, the replacement capacitor is connectable to an electriccircuit with selectable capacitance values. The capacitor providesmultiple capacitance values that may be connected in the field toreplace the capacitance value or values of a failed capacitor orcapacitors.

In one aspect, an apparatus is disclosed which includes an electrolyticcapacitive element with multiple capacitor sections.

In another aspect, the disclosure features a system that provides aplurality of selectable capacitance values. The system includes aelectrolytic capacitive element that has a plurality of capacitorsections. Each capacitor section has a capacitance value and a capacitorsection terminal at a first end. The electrolytic capacitive element hasa common element terminal at a second end. The system also includes aplurality of insulated capacitor section wires each connected at one endto a respective section terminal of one of the plurality of capacitorsections, and an insulated common conductor connected at one end to thecommon element terminal of the capacitor element. The system alsoincludes a case having a side wall, a bottom wall and an open top. Theelectrolytic capacitive element and the insulated wires and insulatedconductor connected thereto are received in the case with the commonelement terminal adjacent to and insulated from the bottom wall. Thesystem also includes a pressure interrupter cover assembly that includesa deformable cover, a common cover terminal mounted to the deformablecover generally at the center of the cover, a plurality of capacitorsection cover terminals mounted to the deformable cover at spaced apartpositions generally surrounding the common cover terminal, andconnections connecting the terminal post of the common cover terminal tothe conductor extending from the common element terminal, andconnections respectively connecting the plurality of capacitor sectionwires to a corresponding terminal post of the plurality of capacitorsection cover terminals. The deformable cover has a peripheral edgesealingly secured to an upper end of the case. The common cover terminalhas a contact extending upwardly from the cover and a terminal postextending downwardly from the cover to a distal end. Each capacitorsection cover terminal has at least two contacts extending upwardly fromthe cover and a terminal post extending downwardly from the cover to adistal end thereof. Selectable capacitance values are provided byconnecting selected cover terminals to place the corresponding capacitorsections in one or more electric circuits and wherein failure of theelectrolytic capacitive element causes the deformable cover to deform.

In another aspect, the disclosure features a system that provides aplurality of selectable capacitance values. The system includes anelectrolytic capacitive element having a plurality of capacitors, aplurality of insulated capacitor wires each connected at one end to arespective capacitor terminal of the capacitors, and an insulated commonconductor connected at one end to the common element terminal of theelectrolytic capacitive element, a case having a side wall, a bottomwall and an open top, and a pressure interrupter cover assembly. Eachcapacitor has a capacitance value and a capacitor terminal at a firstend. The electrolytic capacitive element has a common element terminalat a second end. The electrolytic capacitive element, the insulatedwires, and insulated conductor are received in the case with the commonelement terminal adjacent to and insulated from the bottom wall of thecase. The pressure cover assembly includes a deformable cover, a commoncover terminal mounted to the deformable cover generally at the centerof the cover, a plurality of capacitor cover terminals mounted to thedeformable cover at spaced apart positions generally surrounding thecommon cover terminal, and connections connecting the terminal post ofthe common cover terminal to the conductor extending from the commonelement terminal, and connections respectively connecting the pluralityof capacitor wires to a corresponding terminal post of the plurality ofcapacitor cover terminals. The deformable cover has a peripheral edgesealingly secured to an upper end of the case. The common cover terminalhas a contact extending upwardly from the cover and a terminal postextending downwardly from the cover to a distal end. Each capacitorcover terminal has at least two contacts extending upwardly from thecover and a terminal post extending downwardly from the cover to adistal end thereof. The selectable capacitance values are provided byconnecting selected cover terminals to place the correspondingcapacitors in one or more electric circuits and wherein failure of theelectrolytic capacitive element causes the deformable cover to deform.

In another aspect, the disclosure features a system that provides aplurality of selectable capacitance values. The system includes anelectrolytic capacitive element having a plurality of capacitors, aplurality of insulated capacitor wires each connected at one end to arespective first capacitor terminal of one of the capacitors, and aninsulated common conductor connected at one end to all of the secondcapacitor terminals of all capacitors, a case having a side wall, abottom wall and an open top, a pressure interrupter cover assembly, andconnections connecting the terminal post of the common cover terminal tothe conductor extending from the second capacitor terminals, andconnections respectively connecting the plurality of capacitor wires toa corresponding terminal post of the plurality of capacitor coverterminals. Each capacitor has a capacitance value and a first capacitorterminal at a first end of each capacitor and a second capacitorterminal at a second end of each capacitor. The electrolytic capacitiveelement and the insulated wires and insulated conductor connectedthereto are received in the case. The pressure interrupter coverassembly includes a deformable cover, a common cover terminal mounted tothe deformable cover generally at the center of the cover, a pluralityof capacitor cover terminals mounted to the deformable cover at spacedapart positions generally surrounding the common cover terminal, andconnections connecting the terminal post of the common cover terminal tothe conductor extending from the second capacitor terminals, andconnections respectively connecting the plurality of capacitor wires toa corresponding terminal post of the plurality of capacitor coverterminals. The deformable cover has a peripheral edge sealingly securedto an upper end of the case. The common cover terminal has a contactextending upwardly from the cover and a terminal post extendingdownwardly from the cover to a distal end. Each capacitor cover terminalhaving at least two contacts extending upwardly from the cover and aterminal post extending downwardly from the cover to a distal endthereof. The selectable capacitance values are provided by connectingselected cover terminals to place the corresponding capacitors in one ormore electric circuits and wherein failure of the electrolyticcapacitive element causes the deformable cover to deform.

In another aspect, the disclosure features a system that provides aplurality of selectable capacitance values. The system includes anelectrolytic capacitive element having a plurality of capacitors, aplurality of insulated capacitor wires each connected at one end to arespective first capacitor terminal of the capacitors, and an insulatedcommon conductor connected at one end to all of the second capacitorterminals of all capacitors, a case having a cylindrical side wall, abottom wall and an open top, a cover assembly, and connectionsconnecting the terminal post of the common cover terminal to theconductor extending from the second capacitor terminals, and connectionsrespectively connecting the other ends of the capacitor wires to acorresponding terminal post of the capacitor cover terminals. Eachcapacitor has a capacitance value and a first capacitor terminal at afirst end of each capacitor and a second capacitor terminal at a secondend of each capacitor. The electrolytic capacitive element, theinsulated wires, and insulated conductor are received in the case. Thecover assembly includes a deformable cover, a common cover terminalmounted to the deformable cover, a plurality of capacitor coverterminals mounted to the deformable cover at spaced apart positionssurrounding the common cover terminal. The deformable cover has aperipheral edge sealingly secured to an upper end of the case. Thecommon cover terminal has a contact extending upwardly from the coverand a terminal post extending downwardly from the cover. Each capacitorcover terminal having at least two contacts extending upwardly from thecover and a terminal post extending downwardly from the cover. A firstselectable capacitance values between 2.5 microfarads and 10 microfaradsand a second capacitance values between 2.5 microfarads to 65microfarads are provided by connecting selected cover terminals to placethe corresponding capacitive sections in one or more electric circuits.

Embodiments and/or aspects may include any one or more of the followingfeatures. The electrolytic capacitive element can be cylindrically woundand the plurality of capacitor sections can be concentric. The systemcan include an insulating fluid in the case at least partiallysurrounding the capacitive element. The system can include a coverinsulating barrier mounted on the deformable metal cover. The coverinsulation barrier has a barrier cup substantially surrounding the coverterminal and a plurality of barrier fins, each extending radiallyoutwardly from the barrier cup and deployed between adjacent sectioncover terminals. The system can include a rigid disconnect platesupported below the deformable cover. The rigid disconnect plate definesopenings accommodating the terminal posts and exposing the distal ends.The system can also include a conductor frangibly connecting the commonelement terminal of the electrolytic capacitive element to the commoncover terminal and conductors respectively frangibly connecting thecapacitor section terminals to the section cover terminals. Thecapacitor sections can have capacitance values in the range of about 2.5microfarads to about 25 microfarads. The capacitors can have capacitancevalues in the range of about 2.5 microfarads to about 25 microfarads.The electrolytic capacitive element can include more than fivecapacitors. The capacitor that have the largest capacitance value can beone of the outer three capacitors of the electrolytic capacitanceelement. The capacitors can have capacitance values of about 2.5microfarads, about 5.0 microfarads, about 10.0 microfarads, about 20.0microfarads, and about 25 microfarads. The electrolytic element canprovide dual capacitance values.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. In case of conflict with anydocument incorporated by reference, the present disclosure controls.

Other features and advantages will be apparent from the followingdetailed description.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a is a schematic of an electrolytic capacitor.

FIG. 1b is a schematic of a wound electrolytic capacitive element withmultiple capacitor sections.

FIG. 1c is a schematic of an unwound electrolytic capacitive elementwith multiple capacitor sections with a common cathode.

FIG. 1d is a schematic of an unwound electrolytic capacitive elementwith multiple capacitor sections with separate cathodes.

FIG. 1e is a perspective view of a capacitor.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the capacitor of FIG. 1 e.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the capacitor of FIG. 1e , taken along thelines 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the capacitive element of thecapacitor of FIG. 1e , including wire conductors connected to thecapacitor sections thereof.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the capacitive element of the capacitor of FIG.1e , including wire conductors connected to capacitor sections thereof.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of a distal end of a wireconductor of FIGS. 4 and 5, connected to a foil tab.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary side view of a distal end of a wireconductor of FIGS. 4 and 5, connected to a foil tab.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the capacitor of FIG. 1e taken along thelines 8-8 of FIG. 3, and showing a pressure interrupter cover assemblyof the capacitor of FIG. 1 e.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the pressure interrupter coverassembly of the capacitor of FIG. 1 e.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the pressure interruptercover assembly of the capacitor of FIG. 1 e.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the capacitor of FIG. 1e , shown with selectedcapacitor sections connected to a fan motor and a compressor motor.

FIG. 12 is a schematic circuit diagram of the capacitor of FIG. 1econnected as shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the capacitor of FIG. 1 with jumper wiresconnecting selected capacitor sections in parallel, and also shownconnected in an electrical circuit to a fan motor and a compressormotor.

FIG. 14 is a schematic circuit diagram of the capacitor of FIG. 1econnected as shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a top view of the capacitor of FIG. 1 connecting selectedcapacitor sections in series, and also shown connected in an electricalcircuit to a motor.

FIG. 16 is a schematic circuit diagram of the capacitor of FIG. 1e asconnected shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a top view of the capacitor of FIG. 1 with a jumper wireconnecting selected capacitor sections in series, and also shownconnected in an electrical circuit to a compressor motor.

FIG. 18 is a schematic circuit diagram of the capacitor of FIG. 1econnected as shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a chart showing the single value capacitance values that maybe provided by the capacitor of FIG. 1 e.

FIG. 20 is a chart showing dual value capacitances that may be providedby the capacitor of FIG. 1.

FIG. 21 is another chart showing dual value capacitances that may beprovided by the capacitor of FIG. 1 e.

FIG. 22 is another chart showing dual value capacitances that may beprovided by the capacitor of FIG. 1 e.

FIG. 23 is another chart showing dual value capacitances that may beprovided by the capacitor of FIG. 1 e.

FIG. 24 is a chart showing single value capacitances that may beprovided by the capacitor of FIG. 1 e.

FIG. 25 is a sectional view of the capacitor of FIG. 1e , takengenerally along the lines 24-24 of FIG. 2, but showing the capacitorafter failure of the capacitive element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A desirable replacement capacitor would have the electrical and physicalcharacteristics of the failed capacitor, i.e. it should provide the samecapacitance value or values at the same or higher voltage rating, beconnectable using the same leads and be mountable on the same bracketsor other mounting provision. It should also have the same safetyprotection, for example, as confirmed by independent tests performed byUnderwriter Laboratories or others.

In some applications, the failed capacitor has a relatively highcapacitance value, e.g., tens or hundreds of microfarads. In such cases,the replacement capacitor may be an electrolytic capacitor. Electrolyticcapacitors generally have higher capacitance values than other types ofcapacitors.

Referring FIG. 1a , an electrolytic capacitor 500 includes twoelectrically conductive material layers 501 and 502 (e.g. aluminumfoils, tantalum foils, etc.) that are separated by a dielectric layer503. For example, as shown, one electrode 501 (the anode) is formed byan aluminum foil. An oxide layer 503 (e.g., Al₂O₃) is built up on theanode layer, thereby providing a dielectric. The counter electrode (thecathode) is a conductive liquid 504 (e.g., an electrolyte). A secondaluminum foil 502 (the cathode foil) is placed in electrical contactwith the liquid. In typical embodiments, the conductive liquid 504 isprovided by placing an electrolyte soaked paper 505 between the anodeand the cathode foil, as shown.

In general, a larger capacitance may be obtained by either increasingthe dielectric constant, increasing the electrode surface area, or bydecreasing the distance between the electrodes of a capacitor. Intypical embodiments, the dielectric oxide layer 503 is formed byperforming anode oxidation using electrolysis in an electrolyticsolution (note, this electrolytic solution is generally different fromthe electrolyte used for the conducting fluid of the cathode).Generally, the electrolytic solution is an aqueous solution such asammonium boric acid or ammonium phosphate. Generally, the thickness ofthe grown thin film is nearly proportional to the applied voltage usedin the electrolysis process. The dielectric properties of the filmgenerally depend on the details of the formations process. Thedielectric constant of a typical aluminum oxide layer can range between7 and 8 times the permittivity of free space.

As shown in FIG. 1a , in the electrolytic capacitor the conductiveliquid 504 flows into intimate contact with the dielectric oxide layer503 on the anode foil 501, thereby minimizing the distance between thecathode 502 and anode 501.

The surface area of the anode layer 501 can be increased by roughing thesurface using an etching process (e.g., physical etching using an acidsuch as hydrochloric acid, or electrochemical etching). By rougheningthe surface of, for example, a high-purity aluminum foil, the effectivesurface area of aluminum electrolytic capacitors can be increased by asmuch as 120 times.

The above described features make it possible to produce electrolyticcapacitors with capacitances far larger than those of other types ofcapacitors.

FIG. 1b shows a schematic diagram of a wound, multi-section aluminumfoil electrolytic capacitive element. Each of the multiple capacitorsections has a capacitance value. One or more of the sections can beconnected to an electrical circuit to provide a desired capacitance.

FIG. 1c shows the capacitive element of FIG. 1b unwound. Aluminumcathode foil 1001 is placed upon nonconductive spacer paper 1002.Electrolyte soaked paper 1003 is placed upon cathode foil 1001. Aluminumanode foil 1004, which includes an oxide layer on its bottom face, isplaced on top of electrolyte soaked paper 1003. Anode foil 1004 is cutinto sections, thereby forming multiple capacitive sections 1005, 1006,1007, 1008. Each section includes a distinct anode and dielectric, andall four section share a common cathode. The capacitance of each sectiondepends on, for example, the surface area of the corresponding anode.Thus, capacitive sections can be provided with various desiredcapacitance values by, for example, cutting the cathode foil strip intosections of varying length.

Tabs 1009, 1010, 1011, and 1012 are placed in electrical contact withthe anode foil of capacitive sections 1005, 1006, 1007, and 1008respectively. Tab 1013 is placed in electrical contact with cathode foil1001. For example, in some embodiments the tabs are crimped to thecorresponding foil. Although four sections are shown, it is to beunderstood that more or fewer sections may be provided.

In some embodiments, it is desirable that each section include anindependent cathode. In such cases cathode foil 1001 is cut intosections, as shown in FIG. 1d . Tabs 1013, 1014, 1015, and 1016 areplaced in contact with the cathode foils of are placed in electricalconnection with the cathode foil of capacitive sections 1005, 1006,1007, and 1008 respectively.

In some embodiments, electrolyte soaked paper 1003 may be cut intosections along with the anode and/or cathode foils.

In general, in various embodiments, the position of the anode andcathode foils can be reversed.

In some embodiments, electrical connections other than tabs are used.For example, wires may be connected directly to the foils using, e.g.soldering. Although four sections are shown, it is to be understood thatmore or fewer sections may be provided.

Referring back to FIG. 1b , in a wound configuration, paper spacer 1002insulates the capacitor sections from each other. Tabs 1009, 1010, 1011,and 1012 extend beyond the top of wound paper spacer 1002 allowingelectrical connection with the anodes of capacitor sections 1005, 1006,1007, and 1008 respectively. Tab 1013 extends beyond the bottom of woundpaper spacer 1002, allowing electrical connection with the commoncathode 1001.

A capacitor 10 is shown in FIGS. 1e , 2 and 3 as well as in otherfigures to be described below. The capacitor 10 is adapted to replaceany one of a large number of capacitors. Therefore, a serviceman maycarry a capacitor 10 on a service call and, upon encountering a failedcapacitor, the serviceman can utilize the capacitor 10 to replace thefailed capacitor with the capacitor 10 being connected to provide thesame capacitance value or values of the failed capacitor.

The capacitor 10 has a wound electrolytic capacitive element 12 of thetype described above having a plurality of capacitor sections, eachhaving a capacitance value. The capacitive element 12 is also shown inFIGS. 4 and 5. In an embodiment described herein, the capacitive element12 has six capacitor sections 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25. As describedabove, each capacitive element includes an oxide coated anode foil, anelectrolyte soaked paper, and a cathode foil, layered upon each other.Separate anodes are provided for each section by, for example, cuttingthe anode foil into sections as described above. In the picturedembodiment, the capacitor sections share a common cathode. In someembodiments, each capacitor section can have a separate cathode. Incertain embodiments, the electrolytic capacitive element 12 has sixcapacitor sections 20-25. The electrolytic capacitive element 12 is awound cylindrical element. Accordingly, the capacitive element 12 has acentral spool or mandrel 28, which has a central opening 29. An elementinsulation barrier 30 is provided to separate the six capacitor sections20-25. In some embodiments, the element insulation barrier correspondsto paper 1002 shown in FIG. 1b . In some embodiments, the elementinsulation barrier may be insulating polymer sheet material, for examplepolypropylene.

With reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, at the lower end of the capacitanceelement 12, an element common cathode terminal 36 is established bycontacting a tab in electrical contact with common cathode foil of thecapacitive element to foil strip conductor 38 at 37. In embodimentsfeaturing separate cathodes for each of the multiple capacitor sections,multiple cathode terminals are provided.

At the top end of the capacitive element 12 as depicted in FIGS. 3, 4and 5, the element insulation barrier 30 extends above the woundaluminum foils of the capacitor sections. An individual capacitorelement section terminal tab is provided for each of the capacitivesections 20-25. The element section terminal tabs are identified bynumerals 40-45. Each element section terminal tab is electrical incontact with the anode foil of the corresponding capacitor section.Element section terminals tabs 40-45 are respectively deployed on thecapacitor sections 20-25.

Conductors preferably in the form of six insulated wires 50-55 each haveone of their ends respectively soldered to the element section terminaltabs 40-45, as best seen in FIG. 5.

The insulation of the wires 50-55 is color coded to facilitateidentifying which wire is connected to which capacitor section. Wire 50connected to element section terminal 40 of capacitor section 20 hasblue insulation, wire 51 connected to element section terminal 41 ofcapacitor section 21 has yellow insulation, wire 52 connected to elementsection terminal 42 of capacitor section 22 has red insulation, wire 53connected to element section terminal 43 of capacitor section 23 haswhite insulation, wire 54 connection to element section terminal 44 ofcapacitor section 24 has white insulation, and wire 55 connected toelement section terminal 45 of capacitor section 25 has greeninsulation. These colors are indicated on FIG. 4.

The capacitive element 12 is further provided with foil strip conductor38, having one end attached to the element common cathode terminal 36 at37. The foil strip conductor 38 is coated with insulation, except forthe point of attachment 37 and the distal end 39 thereof. If desired,foil or wire conductors may be utilized for all connections.

In the capacitive element 12 used in the capacitor 10, the capacitorsection 20 has a value of approximately 25.0 microfarads and thecapacitor section 21 has a capacitance of approximately 20.0microfarads. The capacitor section 22 has a capacitance of approximately10.0 microfarads. The capacitor section 23 has a capacitance ofapproximately 5.5 microfarads, but is identified as having a capacitanceof 5.0 microfarads for purposes further discussed below. The capacitorsection 24 has a capacitance of approximately 4.5 microfarads but islabeled as having a capacitance of 5 microfarads, again for purposesdescribed below. The capacitor section 25 has a capacitance ofapproximately 2.8 microfarads.

The capacitor 10 also has a case 60, best seen in FIGS. 1-3, having acylindrical side wall 62, a bottom wall 64, and an open top 66 of sidewall 62. The case 60 is formed of aluminum and the cylindrical side wall62 has an outside diameter of 2.50 inches. This is a very commondiameter for capacitors of this type, wherein the capacitor 10 will bereadily received in the mounting space and with the mounting hardwareprovided for the capacitor being replaced. Other diameters may, however,be used, and the case may also be plastic or of other suitable material.

The capacitive element 12 with the wires 50-55 and the foil strip 38 arereceived in the case 60 with the element common terminal 36 adjacent thebottom wall 64 of the case. An insulating bottom cup 70 is preferablyprovided for insulating the capacitive element from the bottom wall 64,the bottom cup 70 having a center post 72 that is received in the centeropening 29 of the mandrel 28, and an up-turned skirt 74 that embracesthe lower side wall of the cylindrical capacitive element 12 and spacesit from the side wall 62 of the case 60.

In some embodiments, an insulating fluid 76 is provided within the case60, at least partly and preferably substantially surrounding thecapacitive element 12. The fluid 76 may be the fluid described in U.S.Pat. No. 6,014,308, incorporated herein by reference. The fluid may beone of the other insulating fluids used in the trade, such as polybuteneor insulating oil. The fluid may be replaced by other types ofinsulating materials such as, for example, dielectric greases.

The capacitor 10 also has a pressure interrupter cover assembly 80 bestseen in FIGS. 1-3, 8-10 and 24. The cover assembly 80 includes adeformable circular cover 82 having an upstanding cylindrical skirt 84and a peripheral rim 86 as best seen in FIGS. 9 and 10. The skirt 84fits into the open top 66 cylindrical side wall 62 of case 60, and theperipheral rim 86 is crimped to the open top 66 of the case 60 to sealthe interior of the capacitor 10 and the fluid 76 contained therein, asshown in FIGS. 1 and 3.

The pressure interrupter cover assembly 80 includes seven coverterminals mounted on the deformable cover 82. A common cathode coverterminal 88 is mounted generally centrally on the cover 82, and sectioncover terminals 90-95, each respectively corresponding to one of thecapacitor sections 20-25, are mounted at spaced apart locationssurrounding the common cover terminal 88. In embodiments featuringseparate cathodes for each capacitor section, multiple cathode terminalsare provided. With particular reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 9 and 10, thesection cover terminal 91 has three upstanding blades 98, 100 and 102mounted on the upper end of a terminal post 104. Terminal post 104 has adistal end 105, opposite the blades 98, 100 and 102. The cover 82 has anopening 106 for accommodating the terminal post 104, and has a beveledlip 107 surrounding the opening. A shaped silicone insulator 108 fitsunder the cover in the beveled lip 107 and the terminal post 104 passesthrough the insulator 108. On the upper side of the cover, an insulatorcup 110 also surrounds the post 104, and the insulator cup 110 sits atopthe silicone insulator 108; thus, the terminal 91 and its terminal post104 are well insulated from the cover 82. The other cover sectionterminals 92-95 are similarly mounted with an insulator cup and asilicone insulator.

The common cathode cover terminal 88 has four blades 120, and a terminalpost 122 that passes through a silicone insulator 112. The commoncathode cover terminal 88 mounts cover insulator barrier 114 thatincludes an elongated cylindrical center barrier cup 116 surrounding andextending above the blades 120 of the common cathode cover terminal 88,and six barrier fins 118 that extend respectively radially outwardlyfrom the elongated center barrier cup 116 such that they are deployedbetween adjacent section cover terminals 90-95. This provides additionalprotection against any arcing or bridging contact between adjacentsection cover terminals or with the common cathode cover terminal 88.Alternatively, the common cathode cover terminal 88 may be provided withan insulator cup 116, preferably extending above blades 120 but with noseparating barrier fins, although the barrier fins 118 are preferred.The terminal post 122 extends through an opening in the bottom of thebase 117 of the insulating barrier cup 116, and through the siliconeinsulator 112, to a distal end 124.

The pressure interrupter cover assembly 80 has a fiberboard disc 126through which the terminal posts 122, terminal post 104 and the terminalposts of the other section cover terminals extend. The disc 126 may bealso fabricated of other suitable material, such as polymers. Theterminal posts 104, 122, etc. are configured as rivets with rivetflanges 128 for assembly purposes. The terminal posts 104, 122, etc. areinserted through the disc 126, insulators 108, 112, insulator cups 110and barrier cup 116, and the cover terminals 88, 90-95 are spot weldedto the ends of the rivets opposite the rivet flanges 128. Thus, therivet flanges 128 secure the cover terminals 88, 90-95 in the cover 82,together with the insulator barrier 114, insulator cups 110 and siliconeinsulators 108, 112. The fiberboard disc 126 facilitates this assembly,but may be omitted, if desired. The distal ends of the terminal postsare preferably exposed below the rivet flanges 128.

The cover assembly 80 has a disconnect plate 130, perhaps best seen inFIGS. 3, 9 and 10. The disconnect plate 130 is made of a rigidinsulating material, such as a phenolic, is spaced below the cover 82 bya spacer 134 in the form of a skirt. The disconnect plate 130 isprovided with openings accommodating the distal ends of the terminalposts, such as opening 136 accommodating the distal end 105 of terminalpost 104 and opening 138 accommodating the distal end 124 of theterminal post 122. With particular reference to FIG. 9, the disconnectplate 130 may be provided with raised guides, such as linear guides 140and dimple guides 142, generally adjacent the openings accommodating thedistal ends of terminal posts. These guides are for positioning purposesas discussed below.

In capacitor 10, the distal end 39 of the foil strip 38 is connected tothe distal end 124 of terminal post 122 by welding. In some embodiments,the conductors between the capacitor sections and the terminal posts arefoil strips, such as the one used for the common cathode terminal 36 ofthe capacitive element 12 herein. The foil strips are positioned on abreaker plate over the distal ends of terminal posts, and are welded tothe distal ends of the terminal posts.

The wires 50-55, in the pictured embodiment, are not well-configured forwelding to the distal ends of the terminal posts of the cover sectionterminals. However, the wires 50-55 are desirable in place of foilstrips because they are better accommodated in the case 60 and have goodinsulating properties, resist nicking and are readily available withcolored insulations. In order to make the necessary connection of thewires 50-55 to their respective terminal posts, foil tabs 56 are weldedto each of the distal ends of the terminal posts of the section coverterminals 90-95, and the guides 140, 142 are helpful in positioning thefoil tabs 56 for the welding procedure. The attachment may beaccomplished by welding the distal end of a foil strip to the terminalpost, and then cutting the foil strip to leave the foil tab 56.Thereafter, and as best seen in FIGS. 6, 7 and 10, the conductor 58 ofwire 50 is soldered to the tab 56, by solder 57. The insulation 59 ofwire 50 has been stripped to expose the conductor 58. The other wires51-55 are similarly connected to their respective cover sectionterminals. Alternatively, the foil tabs may be soldered to the wires andthe tabs may then be welded to the terminal posts, if desired, or otherconductive attachment may be employed.

Accordingly, each of the capacitor sections 20-25 is connected to acorresponding section cover terminal 90-95 by a respective one of colorcoded wires 50-55. The insulator cups 10 associated with each of thesection cover terminals 90-95 are also color coded, using the same colorscheme as used in the wires 50-55. This facilitates assembly, in thateach capacitor section and its wire conductor are readily associatedwith the correct corresponding section cover terminal, so that thecorrect capacitor sections can be identified on the cover to make thedesired connections for establishing a selected capacitance value.

The connections of the wires 50-55 and the foil 38 to the terminal postsis made prior to placing the capacitive element 12 in the case 60,adding the insulating fluid 76, and sealing the cover 82 of coverassembly 80 to the case 60. The case 60 may be labeled with thecapacitance values of the capacitance sections 20-25 adjacent the coverterminals, such as on the side of case 60 near the cover 82 or on thecover 82.

The capacitor 10 may be used to replace a failed capacitor of any one ofover two hundred different capacitance values, including both single anddual applications. Therefore, a serviceman is able to replace virtuallyany failed capacitor he may encounter as he makes service calls onequipment of various manufacturers, models, ages and the like.

As noted above, the capacitor 10 is expected to be used widely inservicing air conditioning units. Air conditioning units typically havetwo capacitors; a capacitor for the compressor motor which may or maynot be of relatively high capacitance value and a capacitor ofrelatively low capacitance value for a fan motor. The compressor motorcapacitors typically have capacitances of from 20 to about 60microfarads. The fan motor capacitors typically have capacitance valuesfrom about 2.5 to 12.5 microfarads, and sometimes as high as 15microfarads, although values at the lower end of the range are mostcommon.

With reference to FIG. 11, capacitor 10 is connected to replace acompressor motor capacitor and a fan motor capacitor, where thecompressor motor capacitor has a value of 25.0 microfarads and the fanmotor capacitor has a value of 4.0 microfarads. The 25.0 microfaradreplacement capacitance for the compressor motor is made by one of thecompressor motor leads 160 being connected to one of the blades of theblue section cover terminal 90 of capacitance section 20, which has acapacitance value of 25.0 microfarads, and the other compressor motorlead 161 being connected to one of the blades 120 of common cathodecover terminal 88. The lead 162 from the fan motor is connected to thewhite section cover terminal 94 of capacitor section 24, and the secondlead 163 from the fan motor is also connected to the common cathodecover terminal 88. As set forth above, the actual capacitance value ofthe capacitor section 24 that is connected to the section cover terminal94 is 4.5 microfarads, and the instructions and/or labeling for thecapacitor 10 indicate that the capacitor section 24 as represented atterminal 94 should be used for a 4.0 microfarad replacement. Preferredlabeling for this purpose can be “5.0 (4.0) microfarads” or similar. The4.5 microfarad capacitance value is within approximately 10% of thespecified 4.0 microfarad value, and that is within acceptable tolerancesfor proper operation of the fan motor. Of course, the capacitor section24 and terminal 94 may be connected to replace a 5.0 microfaradcapacitance value as well, whereby the 4.5 microfarad actual capacitancevalue of capacitor section 24 gives added flexibility in replacingfailed capacitors. Similarly, the 5.5 microfarad capacitor section 23can be used for either 5.0 microfarad or 6.0 microfarad replacement, andthe 2.8 microfarad section 25 can be used for a 3.0 microfaradreplacement or for a 2.5 microfarad additive value. FIG. 12schematically illustrates the connection of capacitor sections 20 and 24to the compressor motor and fan motor shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 illustrates another connection of the capacitor 10 for replacinga 60.0 microfarad compressor motor capacitor and a 7.5 microfarad fanmotor capacitor. The formula for the total capacitance value forcapacitors connected in parallel is additive namely:C _(total) =C ₁ +C ₂ +C ₃+ . . . .

Therefore, with reference to FIG. 13, a 60.0 microfarad capacitancevalue for the compressor motor is achieved by connecting in parallel thesection cover terminal 90 (capacitor section 20 at a value of 25.0microfarads), section cover terminal 91 (capacitor section 21 at a valueof 20.0 microfarads), section cover terminal 92 (capacitor section 22 ata value of 10.0 microfarads) and section cover terminal 93 (capacitorsection 23 at a nominal value of 5.0 microfarads). The foregoingconnections are made by means of jumpers 164, 165 and 166, which may besupplied with the capacitor 10. Lead 167 is connected from the sectioncover terminal 90 of the capacitor section 20, e.g., to the compressormotor, and lead 168 is connected from the common cathode cover terminal88, e.g., to the compressor motor. This has the effect of connecting thespecified capacitor sections 20, 21, 22 and 23 in parallel, giving atotal of 60.0 microfarad capacitance; to wit: 25+20+10+5=60. It ispreferred but not required to connect the lead from the compressor motoror the fan motor to the highest value capacitor section used inproviding the total capacitance.

Similarly, a 7.5 microfarad capacitance is provided to the fan motor byconnecting section cover terminal 94 of the 5.0 microfarad capacitorsection 24 and the section cover terminal 95 of the nominal 2.5microfarad capacitor section 25 in parallel via jumper 169. Leads 170and 171 connect the fan motor to the common cathode cover terminal 88and the section cover terminal 95 of the capacitor section 25. FIG. 14diagrammatically illustrates the connection of the capacitor 10 shown inFIG. 13.

It will be appreciated that various other jumper connections betweensection cover terminals can be utilized to connect selected capacitorsections in parallel, in order to provide a wide variety of capacitancereplacement values.

The capacitor sections can also be connected in series to utilizecapacitor 10 as a single value replacement capacitor. This has the addedadvantage of increasing the voltage rating of the capacitor 10 in aseries application, i.e. the capacitor 10 can safely operate at highervoltages when its sections are connected in series. As a practicalmatter, the operating voltage will not be increased as it is establishedby the existing equipment and circuit, and the increased voltage ratingderived from a series connection will increase the life of the capacitor10 because it will be operating well below its maximum rating.

With reference to FIG. 15, the capacitor 10 is shown with capacitorsection 22 (terminal 92) having a value of 10.0 microfarads connected inseries with capacitor section 25 (terminal 95) having a nominal value of2.5 microfarads to provide a replacement capacitance value of 2.0microfarads. Leads 162 and 163 make the connections from the respectivesection cover terminals 92 and 95 to the motor, and the element commoncathode terminal 36 connects the capacitor sections 22 and 25 ofcapacitive element 12. With reference to FIG. 16, the connection ofcapacitor 10 shown in FIG. 15 is illustrated diagrammatically. In bothFIGS. 15 and 16, it will be seen that the cover common cathode terminal88 is not used in making series connections.

The formula for capacitance of capacitors connected in series is

$\frac{1}{C_{total}} = {\frac{1}{C_{1}} + \frac{1}{C_{2}} + \frac{1}{C_{3}} + \ldots}$

Therefore, the total capacitance of the capacitor sections 22 and 25connected as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 is 2.0 microfarads. Thecapacitance of each of the capacitor sections 20-25 is rated at 440volts. However, when two or more capacitor sections 20-25 are connectedin series, the applied voltage section is divided between the capacitorsections in inverse proportion to their value. Thus, in the seriesconnection of FIGS. 15 and 16, the nominal 2.5 microfarad section seesabout 80% of the applied voltage and the 10.0 microfarad section seesabout 20% of the applied voltage. The net effect is that the capacitor10 provides the 2.0 microfarad replacement value at a higher rating, dueto the series connection. In this configuration, the capacitor 10 islightly stressed and is apt to have an extremely long life.

With reference to FIG. 17, the capacitor sections of the capacitor 10are shown connected in a combination of parallel and series connectionsto provide additional capacitive values at high voltage ratings, in thiscase 5.0 microfarads. The two capacitor sections 23 and 24 each having anominal value of 5.0 microfarads are connected in parallel by jumper 177between their respective cover section terminals 93 and 94. The leads178 and 179 from a compressor motor are connected to the section coverterminal 92 of capacitor section 22 having a value of 10.0 microfarads,and the other lead is connected to cover section terminal 94 ofcapacitor section 24. Thus, a capacitance value of 5.0 microfarads isprovided according to the following formula

$\frac{1}{C_{total}} = {\frac{1}{C_{1}} + \frac{1}{C_{2}}}$

C₁ is a parallel connection having the value C+C, in this case 5.0+5.0for a C₁ of 10.0 microfarads. With that substitution, the total value isC_(total)=5.0 microfarads. The connection of capacitor 10 illustrated inFIG. 17 is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 18.

FIG. 19 is a chart showing single capacitance values that can beprovided by the capacitor 10 connected in parallel. The values arederived by connecting individual capacitor sections into a circuit, orby parallel connections of capacitor sections. The chart should beinterpreted remembering that the 2.8 microfarad capacitor section can beused as a 2.5 or 3.0 microfarad replacement, and that the two 5.0microfarad values are actually 4.5 and 5.5 microfarad capacitorsections, also with possibilities for more replacements.

FIGS. 20-23 are charts showing applications of capacitor 10 in replacingboth a fan motor capacitor and a compressor motor capacitor. This is animportant capability, because many air conditioning systems are equippedwith dual value capacitors and when one of the values fails, anotherdual value capacitor must be substituted into the mounting spacebracket.

The chart of FIG. 20 shows dual value capacitances that can be providedby capacitor 10 wherein the nominal 2.5 microfarad capacitor section 25is used for one of the dual values, usually the fan motor. Fan motorsare generally not rigid in their requirements for an exact capacitancevalue, wherein the capacitor section 25 may also be used for fan motorsspecifying a 3.0 microfarad capacitor. The remaining capacitor sections20-24 are available for connection individually or in parallel to thecompressor motor, providing capacitance values from 5.0 to 65.0microfarads in 5.0 microfarad increments.

The chart of FIG. 21 also shows dual value capacitances that can beprovided by capacitor 10. In the chart of FIG. 21, one of the dualvalues is 5.0 microfarads that can be provided by either capacitorsection 23 having an actual capacitance value of 5.5 microfarads or bycapacitor section 24 having an actual capacitance of 4.5 microfarads. Asdiscussed above, the capacitor section 24 can also be used for a 4.0microfarad replacement value, and capacitor section 23 could be used fora 6.0 microfarad replacement value. Thus, chart 21 represents more dualreplacement values than are specifically listed. The other capacitorsection may be used in various parallel connections to achieve thesecond of the dual capacitance values.

The chart of FIG. 22 illustrates yet additional dual value capacitancesthat can be provided by capacitor 10. Capacitor section 25 (nominal 2.5microfarads) is connected in parallel with one of capacitor section 23(5.5 microfarads) or capacitor section 24 (4.5 microfarads) to provide a7.5 microfarad capacitance value as one of the dual value capacitances.The remaining capacitor sections are used individually or in parallel toprovide the second of the dual value capacitances.

The chart of FIG. 23 illustrates yet additional dual value capacitancesthat can be provided by capacitor 10, where capacitor section 22 (10microfarads) is dedicated to provide one of the dual values. Theremaining capacitor sections are used individually or in parallel forthe other of the dual values.

It will be appreciated that any one or group of capacitor sections maybe used for one of a dual value, with a selected one or group of theremaining capacitor sections connected to provide another capacitancevalue. It will also be appreciated that the capacitor 10 could providesix individual capacitance values corresponding to the capacitorsections, or three, four or five capacitance values in selectedindividual and parallel connections. Additional single values can bederived from series connections.

The six capacitor sections 20-25 can provide hundreds of replacementvalues, including single and dual values. It will further be appreciatedthat if fewer replacement values are required, the capacitor 10 can bemade with fewer than six capacitor sections, and that if morereplacement values were desired, the capacitor 10 could be made withmore than six capacitor sections

While specific values for the capacitance of the capacitor sections aregiven above, it is to be understood that different values may beprovided. For example, some air conditioning systems include so-called“motor-start” capacitors with typical capacitances in the range of 30microfarads to 300 microfarads. Such capacitors are typically usedduring start-up periods. In some embodiments, capacitor 10 is areplacement capacitor for a “motor-run” capacitor. The capacitancevalues for capacitance sections 20-25 are about 22.5 microfarads, about33.0 microfarads, about 40.0 microfarads, about 45.0 microfarads, about70.0 microfarads, and about 90 microfarads, respectively. The color ofwhite terminal 94 is changed to purple to indicate that corresponds to acapacitor section with a different capacitance value than that ofterminal 93. The chart of FIG. 24 illustrates a number of single valecapacitances that can be provided by capacitor 10. For example, as shownin column g, the 70 microfarad, 45 microfarad, and 22.5 microfaradcapacitor sections can be connected in parallel as described above toprovide a single capacitance vale of 107.5 microfarads. In otherembodiments, capacitance values for capacitance sections 20-25 are about20 microfarads, about 30 microfarads, about 55 microfarads, about 67microfarads, about 70.0 microfarads, and about 83 microfarads,respectively.

In various embodiments, capacitor 10 can provide single, dual, ormultiple capacitance values over a variety of ranges. In someembodiments, capacitor 10 may provide capacitance values of, forexample, up to 300 microfarads or more or about 400 microfarads or more.Capacitor 10 can also include capacitor sections with a variety ofvoltage ratings, thereby providing a suitable replacement for a range ofcapacitors with different operating voltages.

There are occasional failures of capacitive elements. If the capacitiveelement fails, it may do so in a sudden and violent manner, producingheat and outgassing such that high internal pressures are developedwithin the housing. Pressure responsive interrupter systems have beendesigned to break the connection between the capacitive element and thecover terminals in response to the high internal pressure, therebyremoving the capacitive element from a circuit and stopping the highheat and overpressure condition within the housing before the housingruptures.

The pressure interrupter cover assembly 80 provides such protection forthe capacitor 10 and its capacitive element 12. With reference to FIG.25, the capacitor 10 is shown after failure. Outgassing has caused thecircular cover 82 to deform upwardly into a generally domed shape. Whenthe cover 82 deforms in the manner shown, the terminal posts are alsodisplaced upwardly from the disconnect plate 130, and the weldconnection of the distal end 124 of common cathode cover terminal post122 to the distal end 39 foil lead 38 from the common cathode element 36of the capacitive element 12 is broken, and the welds between the foiltabs 56 and the terminal posts 104 of the section cover terminals 90-95are also broken, the separation at section cover terminals 91 and 94being shown.

Although the preferred pressure interrupter cover assembly includes thefoil lead 38 and foil tabs 56, frangibly connected to the distal ends ofthe terminal posts, the frangible connections both known in the art andto be developed may be used. As an example, the terminal poststhemselves may be frangible.

It should be noted that although it is desirable that the connections ofthe capacitive element and all cover terminals break, it is notnecessary that they all do so in order to disconnect the capacitiveelement 12 from a circuit. For all instances in which the capacitor 10is used with its capacitor sections connected individually or inparallel, only the terminal post 122 of common cathode cover terminal 88must be disconnected in order to remove the capacitive element 12 fromthe circuit. Locating the cover common terminal 88 in the center of thecover 82, where the deformation of the cover 82 is the greatest, ensuresthat the common cover terminal connection is broken both first and withcertainty in the event of a failure of the capacitive element 12.

If the capacitor sections of the capacitor 10 are utilized in a seriesconnection, it is necessary that only one of the terminal posts used inthe series connection be disconnected from its foil tab at thedisconnect plate 130 to remove the capacitive element from an electricalcircuit. In this regard, it should be noted that the outgassingcondition will persist until the pressure interrupter cover assembly 80deforms sufficiently to cause disconnection from the circuit, and it isbelieved that an incremental amount of outgassing may occur as requiredto cause sufficient deformation and breakage of the circuit connectionat the terminal post of one of the section cover terminal. However, insome applications of the capacitor 10, the common cover terminal 88 maybe used and the central location of the common cover terminal 88 maycause fast and certain disconnect upon any failure of the capacitiveelement.

Two other aspects of the design are pertinent to the performance of thepressure interrupter system. First, with respect to series connectionsonly, the common cover terminal 88 may be twisted to pre-break theconnection of the terminal post 122 with the foil strip 38, thuseliminating the requirement of any force to break that connection in theevent of a failure of the capacitive element 12. The force that wouldotherwise be needed to break the connection of common terminal post 122is then applied to the terminal posts of the section cover terminals,whereby the section cover terminals are more readily disconnected. Thismakes the pressure interrupter cover assembly 80 highly responsive in aseries connection configuration.

Second, the structural aspects of welding foil tabs to the distal endsof the terminal posts corresponding to the various capacitor sectionsand thereafter soldering the connecting wires onto the foil tabs 56 isalso believed to make the pressure interrupter cover assembly 80 moreresponsive to failure of the capacitive element 12. In particular, thesolder and wire greatly enhance the rigidity of the foil tabs 56 whereinupon deformation of the cover 82, the terminal posts break cleanly fromthe foil tabs 56 instead of pulling the foil tabs partially through thedisconnect plate before separating.

A number of embodiments of the invention have been described.Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

For example, although the above described embodiments employelectrolytic capacitor sections of the foil type, other types ofcapacitor sections may be used including tantalum electrolytic,electrolytic double-layer, or aerogel.

In some embodiments, one or more capacitor sections may be a nonelectrolytic capacitor section. For example, capacitor 10 could includecapacitor sections which are of the ceramic type, silver mica type,plastic film type, tantalum type, and/or polyester film type. In someembodiments, the capacitor sections may include a combination ofcapacitor types.

Various types of electrical connections may be used. For example, thefoil strip used to connect the common cathode terminal of capacitorelement 12 to the common cathode cover terminal 88 may be replaced by aninsulated wire. Various electrical contacts may be provided by anymethod including, for example, crimping, soldering and/or welding.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus suitable for use in anair-conditioning system and configured to provide a plurality ofselectable capacitance values, comprising: a plurality of electrolyticcapacitive devices housed in a case, each of the electrolytic capacitivedevices having a first capacitor terminal and a second capacitorterminal, three of the electrolytic capacitive devices having a combinedcapacitance value of about 120.0 microfarads; a pressure interruptercover assembly comprising: a deformable cover mountable to the case, aset of capacitor cover terminals, each capacitor cover terminal havingat least one contact extending from the deformable cover, wherein thedeformable cover is configured to displace at least one of the capacitorcover terminals based upon an operative failure of at least one of theelectrolytic capacitive devices, a common cover terminal having at leastone contact extending from the deformable cover, and a set of insulationstructures, wherein each insulation structure is configured to provideinsulation for at least one of the capacitor cover terminals; and aconductor configured to electrically connect the second capacitorterminal of at least one of the electrolytic capacitive devices to thecommon cover terminal, wherein the first capacitor terminal of the atleast one of the electrolytic capacitive devices is electricallyconnected to one of the capacitor cover terminals.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, each of the plurality of electrolytic capacitive devices beingprovided by a section of a wound capacitive element.
 3. The apparatus ofclaim 1, each of the plurality of electrolytic capacitive devices beingseparately wound.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein selectiveconnections of the capacitor cover terminals provide at least twohundred operable capacitance values.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, theapparatus being configured for use by a compressor motor of theair-conditioning system and for use by a fan motor of theair-conditioning system.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theapparatus comprises six electrolytic capacitive devices.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 6, wherein the combined capacitance value of the sixelectrolytic capacitive devices is greater than about 200.0 microfarads.8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the combined capacitance value ofthe six electrolytic capacitive devices is greater than about 300.0microfarads.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of theinsulation structures is cup shaped.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein four of the electrolytic capacitive devices have a combinedcapacitance value greater than about 245.0 microfarads and two of theelectrolytic capacitive devices have a combined capacitance valuegreater than about 55.5 microfarads.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the common cover terminal includes at least two blades.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein each capacitor cover terminal includesless than four blades.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at leastone of the insulation structures includes an insulator cup.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 1, each of the plurality of electrolytic capacitivedevices being sections of a wound capacitive element.
 15. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the case is configured to receive a fill fluid. 16.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the case and the deformable cover aremetallic.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least two of theinsulation structures are colored.
 18. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinat least five of the insulation structures are differently colored. 19.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein four of the electrolytic capacitivedevices have a combined capacitance value greater than about 245.0microfarads and the remainder of the electrolytic capacitive deviceshave a combined capacitance value greater than about 55.5 microfarads.